Trade Licence for an Online Business in Bangladesh: Papers, Steps, Fees

"I only sell on Facebook, why would I need a licence?" is one of the most common questions from new online sellers. Many start without papers. But as soon as the business grows, the trade licence appears everywhere: payment gateways, merchant accounts, business bank accounts and contracts with suppliers or couriers. This guide explains why you need it, where to apply, the papers usually asked for, the steps, how fees and renewal work, and how e-CAB membership and DBID fit in. A Bangla version is available: অনলাইন ব্যবসার ট্রেড লাইসেন্স.

Why you need it

A trade licence is permission from local government to run a particular kind of business from a particular address. Having no shopfront does not change that: an online business is still a business. In practice you will need it for:

• Payment gateways and merchant accounts: SSLCommerz and similar gateways, and merchant wallet accounts, almost always ask for one.
• A business bank account in your business's name.
• e-CAB membership and DBID registration, which usually require it.
• Contracts with couriers, suppliers and corporate customers.
• Customer trust: a licence number on your website shows you are a registered business.

For the wider rules that apply to selling online, such as consumer protection and digital commerce guidelines, read e-commerce rules in Bangladesh.

Where to apply

The office depends on your business address:

If you run the business from home, your home address is usually the business address. If you rent, you may need the rent agreement or the landlord's consent.

Papers

For a small sole-proprietor online business, these are usually asked for. Partnerships and companies need additional documents.

Steps

1. Find your office. Check which ward or union your address falls in, and whether your city corporation offers online applications on its website.
2. Choose the business category. The form asks for the type of business. For online selling, pick the category that matches what you sell (clothing, food, general goods and so on). The fee depends on it, so ask the office if unsure.
3. Fill in the form and attach papers. Upload scans if applying online, or submit attested copies at the office.
4. Pay the fee. Licence fee plus any signboard tax or other charges. Keep every receipt.
5. Verification and licence. After verification the licence is issued; online systems often let you download it.

Using an agent is common, but check the licence and receipts yourself, and verify the licence through the office's online system where one exists.

Fees and renewal

There is no single trade licence fee. It varies with the type of business, its capital and the area, and signboard tax or other charges may be added. Rather than relying on a figure someone quotes, check the office's own fee schedule.

A trade licence is normally valid for one financial year (July to June) and must be renewed every year. Late renewal can bring a penalty, and an expired licence will hold up bank and gateway work. Put the renewal date in your calendar a month ahead.

e-CAB and DBID

e-CAB membership

e-CAB, the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh, is a trade body for e-commerce businesses. Membership is optional. Sellers join for networking with other businesses, couriers and payment companies, training and events, and news about rules affecting the sector; some partners ask for membership when offering benefits. Applications usually need a trade licence, NID, photos and your website or page details, plus a fee. Check e-CAB's own website for current categories, fees and papers.

DBID

DBID, the Digital Business Identity, is an identity registration for online sellers introduced through the Ministry of Commerce, so that sellers are identifiable and buyers better protected. Applications usually ask for a trade licence and identity details. Our Bangla guide DBID কী ও নেওয়ার নিয়ম covers who should register and the steps.

After you get the licence

• Open a business bank account and keep business and personal money separate.
• Apply for a payment gateway if you want automatic card and wallet payments.
• Show your details on your website: business name, address and licence number in the footer or on the about page.
• Keep scans in the cloud: licence, receipts and submitted papers. You will need them again at every renewal and application.

You do not need a trade licence to build a website. On Metanoz you can build your shop and take cash on delivery and bKash or Nagad payments to your own number without one; connecting your own SSLCommerz account later will need the licence for SSLCommerz's application. Guides for orders, payments and delivery are in the Help Center's selling section, and the full store setup is in how to build an e-commerce website in Bangladesh.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a trade licence if I only sell on Facebook?

Selling regularly is a business wherever it happens. Many small sellers start without one, but you will need it for payment gateways, bank accounts and contracts, so it is sensible to get it early.

Can I get a trade licence for my home address?

Usually yes, especially for an online business run from home. If you rent, you may need the rent agreement or the landlord's consent. Confirm with your local office.

How long does it take to get a trade licence?

It depends on the office and on your papers being complete. Online applications are often quicker, but verification can take some days.

How much does a trade licence cost in Bangladesh?

It varies by business type, capital and area, and extra charges such as signboard tax may apply. Check the fee schedule of your city corporation, municipality or union parishad.

Is e-CAB membership mandatory?

No. It is membership of a trade association, useful for networking, training and sector news.

Do I need a trade licence to make a website?

No. You can build a website and take cash on delivery or bKash and Nagad payments without one. A licence is needed when you apply for your own payment gateway or merchant account.